Fact 1: World Population Day
July 11 is recognized worldwide as World Population Day. This special day was first established by the United Nations in 1989 to raise awareness about global population issues. It emphasizes the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights.
Fact 2: The Noteworthy Birth of E.B White – a Renowned Children’s Book Author
Elewyn Brooks White, better known as E.B. White, was born on July 11, 1899. Known for his children's classic books including "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little," White's influential works have continued to inspire young readers across the world for over a century.
Fact 3: The Infamous Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
Another historical event was marked on July 11 – the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the U.S., was fatally wounded and died. The duel significantly affected Burr’s political career, leaving an undeniable mark on American history.
Fact 4: Pluto's Big Photo Debut
July 11, 2015, was the day NASA's New Horizons spacecraft made its closest approach to Pluto, capturing incredibly detailed pictures of the dwarf planet for the first time. This mission has given scientists valuable insights into Pluto's composition, atmosphere, and moons.
Fact 5: An Iconic Song’s Record-Breaking Release
"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber, was released on July 11, 2017. It rapidly ascended to become the most streamed song worldwide, with over 4.6 billion streams, revolutionizing the music industry's view of Latin Pop.
Fact 6: The Establishment of the Medal of Honor
On July 11, 1862, the Medal of Honor was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. It is the highest and most prestigious personal military decoration awarded to U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves through outstanding acts of valor.
Fact 7: The Advent of Slurpee
To many, July 11, also known as 7/11, is categorized as "Free Slurpee Day." 7-Eleven first initiated this tradition in 2002, where customers could walk in between 11 AM and 7 PM to enjoy a complimentary small Slurpee.
Fact 8: The Conclusion of Agatha Christie’s 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'
On July 11, 1926, Agatha Christie finished writing the renowned novel "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," which has since been hailed as a classic in the mystery genre. The unexpected and jaw-dropping plot twist in the novel shocked readers worldwide and continues to inspire modern-day mystery writers.
Fact 9: The Invention of Nilo-Saharan Languages
July 11, 1963, marked the day Joseph Greenberg coined the term "Nilo-Saharan." This concept was introduced to classify a group of African languages spoken by some 11 million people living in central and eastern Africa.
Fact 10: Pink Floyd's Stardom with 'Wish You Were Here'
The album "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd was certified Gold just a few days after its release. On July 11, 1975, it had sold over one million copies, highlighting the band's skyrocketing popularity.
Fact 11: The Introduction of the Postcode System in the UK
The UK's modern postcode system was officially introduced on July 11, 1959. This system categorizes addresses and locations, significantly simplifying the process of mail delivery across the country.
Fact 12: The Private Tutoring Controversy in South Korea
A law banning all forms of private tutoring in South Korea was established on July 11, 1980. This was an attempt to decrease competition and academic pressure, promoting greater educational equality.
Fact 13: The Tragic Death of Laurence Olivier
Famed actor and director Laurence Olivier tragically passed away on July 11, 1989. Recognized for his remarkable work in Shakespearean adaptations both in film and on stage, Olivier's death marked the end of an era in British theatre.
Fact 14: The Wham-O Frisbee’s Trademark Registration
July 11, 1958, marked the trademark registration of the Wham-O Frisbee. This playful and popular recreational disc has since become a favorite outdoor tool for throwing and catching, and it's even the equipment for an organized team sport known as Ultimate Frisbee!
Fact 15: The First African American to Reach the North Pole
Matthew Henson, the first African American Arctic explorer, was honored with a joint congressional resolution on July 11, 2000. Henson was recognized posthumously for his accomplishments in pioneering the North Pole in 1909.
Fact 16: CERN Announces the Discovery of Higgs Boson Particle
On July 11, 2012, CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, announced the discovery of the elusive Higgs boson particle, also known as the 'God Particle.' This groundbreaking discovery marked a significant advancement in the field of particle physics.
Fact 17: Tsunami Hits Northern Japan
July 11, 1935, witnessed a brutal event when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami in northern Japan. The devastating event led to the death of approximately 3000 people and significant property and infrastructure loss.
Fact 18: The Debut of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird'
Harper Lee's Pulitzer-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" was published on July 11, 1960. A critique of racial injustice and a loss of innocence, it rapidly became a classic of modern American literature.
Fact 19: Linda Ronstadt’s Birth
Grammy-award winning artist Linda Ronstadt was born on July 11, 1946. Known for her wide-ranging genres and impressive vocal range, Ronstadt has made significant contributions to rock, country, jazz, and folk music genres.
Fact 20: The Establishment of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
On July 11, 1851, Hong Xiuquan established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom – an oppositional state in China that lasted from 1851 till 1864 and witnessed one of the most devastating wars in human history, the Taiping Rebellion.